Executive Agency Counsel

The Office of Research and Policy Development provide legal counsel to DSS, HRA and DHS Operations managers and executive staff on legal matters pursuant to social services policy interpretation, implementation of welfare reform policies and procedures and related programs including but not limited to employment, engagement and childcare. Under managerial direction of the Assistant Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Research and Policy Development, with wide latitude for independent judgment and un-reviewed action and decision, the Senior Counsel serves as legal counsel, has supervisory responsibilities and manages the unit in the absence of the ADC. Directs DSS/HRA/DHS staff in legal mandates and engages in important, difficult and complex legal counseling and social services public policy work in concert with DSS/HRA managerial, executive staff and outside experts. The Office of Policy, Procedure and Training (OPPT) is recruiting for an Executive Agency Counsel M-1 to function as Senior Counsel within their Research and Policy Development Division, who will: • Provide legal counsel to DSS/HRA/DHS managers and executive staff on legal matters pursuant to social services policy interpretation, implementation of welfare reform policies and procedures and related programs including but not limited to employment, engagement and childcare. • Meet with high-level DSS/HRA/DHS managerial and executive staff and outside experts to confer on the legal aspect of important and complex agency policies implementing the goals and priorities of the agency and responding to new regulations, legislation and court orders. • Draft legal policy statements, memoranda of law, legal opinions, affidavits and other legal documents and briefing memoranda regarding important and complex DSS/HRA/DHS policy issues for managerial and executive staff. • Draft proposed policies, legislation and regulations related to agency issues for review by Agency Leadership and Management to facilitate the mission of the agency in administration of agency programs, benefits, services and in promoting client self-sufficiency. • Review policies, legal documents, legislation, legal briefs, regulations, oversight agency guidance and legal decisions, to provide comments and edits to proposed policies, legislation, rules and regulations and policy documents in concert with the Office of Legal Affairs as well as Corporation Counsel. • Prepare waiver requests on highly technical regulatory provisions for appropriate state and/or federal agencies to modify the agency’s administration of benefits and services. • Assist ADC in the management of the office, and directs subordinate staff as needed. • Train staff in legal research methods, writing legal memoranda and public speaking within his/her expertise. Hours/Schedule: 9am - 5pm

• At least two years of experience in managing a unit of attorneys and support staff, particularly in municipal government. • Knowledge of provisions in New York Social Services Law, New York Codes Rules and Regulations, New York City Charter, New York City Administrative Code, Code of Federal Regulations and government policies regarding public benefits. • Excellent verbal, written, and professional interpersonal communication skills. • Excellent judgment, discretion and ability to appropriately handle privileged and confidential information and highly sensitive documents. • Ability to deal with challenging telephone calls, emails and letters from the public. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills. • Detail-oriented while meeting competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment and having the flexibility to shift priorities quickly, effectively and with accuracy. • Proficiency in Lexis Nexis and Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, and Excel; Experience with Adobe Acrobat Professional software; work with pdf documents and files and /or ability to quickly learn these computer programs • An understanding of social services issues and programs

New York City Residency is not required for this position

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